Contact
Helena Strömberg, Environmental Assessment Specialist, temporary Head of Division
Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Freshwater Research, SLU
helena.stromberg@slu.se, +46 10 47 84 281
Welcome to the Institute of Freshwater Research!
Last changed: 10 February 2025
The Institute of Freshwater Research at Drottningholm is one of three divisions at the Department of Aquatic Resources. We conduct environmental analysis, consultancy and research on Sweden's lakes and waterways and produce data for authorities for the sustainable management of aquatic environments and fish stocks. We also have a variety of research infrastructure for experiments in aquariums, ponds and troughs.
Our activities
- We monitor fish populations and offer advice on both nationally and internationally regulated species.
- We study environmental problems such as eutrophication and acidification and also follow up on the effects of liming.
- You are welcome to hire our research vessel Asterix or the electric fishing boat Elritsan, suitable for fish sampling or hydroacoustic surveys.
- We also perform genetic analyses on request.
Information that creates opportunities
At the Institute of Freshwater Research, we have extensive data collection with different types of test fishing and hydroacoustic surveys. Our sampling methodology is constantly evolving and our data is open and accessible. We have a great advantage in being able to combine long data series with research.
Research for the future
In our research, we test and develop future environmental monitoring, investigate the genetic consequences of various management measures, create more knowledge about the effects of the environment and climate on fish populations, and investigate the genetic mechanisms behind organisms' adaptation to their habitat.
Collaborate with us
We collaborate with a number of different national and international partners and are constantly looking for new collaborations. Welcome to get in touch if you are curious about collaborating with us or if you are interested in starting a job with us.
Research facilities at the Institute of Freshwater Research
Fish genetics laboratory (FiskGen)
At our fish genetics laboratory – FiskGen – we perform genetic analyses of fish and shellfish.
Age analysis laboratory
Every year, staff at our age analysis laboratory analyse over 10,000 samples, mainly from fish from inland lakes, but also migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout and eels.
Indoor aquariums, outdoor ponds and troughs
At Drottningholm there are indoor aquariums, outdoor ponds and troughs that provide unique opportunities for experimental trials on different scales.
Our research vessel R/V Asterix
The research vessel Asterix is mainly used for investigations in Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren and Hjälmaren, but can also be used on the coast and in other larger lakes.
The electrofishing boat Elritsan
With our electrofishing boat Elritsan, we broaden our environmental monitoring and examine fish in a gentle way.
Biological archive and Library
The Institute of Freshwater Research has an extensive biological archive with over 1 million samples and a library.
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The Institute of Freshwater Research regularly conducts standardized test-fishing, and we also sample catches from professional fishermen. The results can be used for environmental assessment and as a basis for sustainable fisheries management. Photo: Malin Hällbom
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Sustainable management of fish and seafood populations requires good decision making. The Institute of Freshwater Research has expert competence on migrating fish species such as salmon and eel, freshwater fish such as pike-perch and whitefish and freshwater crayfish. Photo: Anders Asp
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In streams, data collection is conducted with electrofishing and the information is stored in the database SERS. The database contains data from 81,000 electrofishing sessions, from 22,000 locations. Photo: Lars Ohlson
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Ageing of fish can provide detailed knowledge of fish stocks and show how fish react when the environment changes. Otoliths (ear stones) are used to determine the age of most fish species. Here, an otolith from eel, colored with flourescent chemicals. Photo: SLU Aqua
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The biological archive is the heart of our data collection at the Institute of Freshwater Research. The archive contains samples from more than 1 million fishes. Most samples are from the beginning of the 20th century onwards, but we also have samples from several thousand years B.C. Here, King Carl XVI Gustaf visiting SLU Aqua and the facilities at Drottningholm. Photo: Viktor Wrange
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Contact the Institute of Freshwater Research
The Institute of Freshwater Research has its office next to the shore of Lake Mälaren at Drottningholm.
Address
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Stångholmsvägen 2
SE-178 93 Drottningholm
Phone: +46(0)18 67 10 00